All units of the size of an infantry battalion, cavalry regiment, artillery brigade and above were obliged to maintain a record of their movements and activities. These records are called war diaries.
Contents and value to researchers
The diaries vary in the degree of detail they describe. Most do not mention men of the “other ranks” very much, if at all. Officers are regularly mentioned by name. Some diaries include added operational reports, signals, maps, casualty lists and other documents. They are an exceptional resource for determining the details of the activities of a given unit.
The majority of soldiers are not mentioned by name, but the practice varies by diary and by period. Some diarists were diligent in naming every casualty, for example, but at peak times this just becomes “X other ranks wounded”. Gallantry awards are often mentioned. Some diaries also include original lists – and they can be most valuable resources giving information that cannot be found elsewhere.
Tip: go up a notch!
If you are trying to understand the movements or locations of a unit, the war diary is your key resource. Sometimes it also pays to see the diary of the formation to which your unit was subordinate (for an infantry battalion this will be a brigade, for example). They tend to include more maps, orders and other useful details but are less likely to mention individuals.
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